Chicago schools urged to fire foodservice head following scandal

Foodservice director in hot water over acceptance of gifts.

March 19—The head of the Chicago Public Schools today recommended the schools' chief of the food service be fired after she and two members of her staff were accused of taking more than $86,000 in gifts from schools contractors.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel also released a statement today urging the Chicago Board of Education to follow schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard's recommendation that Louise Esaian be fired from her $147,400 job. The Tribune reported this week on the schools' inspector general's report detailing gifts including at least $20,000 in skybox tickets, meals and other concessions at Green Bay Packers home games for Esaian and her family.

Many of the gifts allegedly came directly from Bob Bloomer, a regional vice president for Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality who oversees the company's contract with CPS.

The board is scheduled to meet March 28 and could take up the matter then.

City officials are weighing changes to school menus less than one year after earlier changes drew parent criticism. Officials say those menu changes were not final, and an advisory board is suggesting healthier, fresher dishes and a more expansive in-class breakfast program.